Wednesday, May 29, 2002

Detecting osteoporosis

SRMC offering testing and education for early diagnosis

Southern Regional Medical Center's Women's Life Center recognizes the importance of early diagnosis of osteoporosis. That is why Southern Regional will be offering educational opportunities in addition to its regular bone density testing. Bone density testing is the most accurate way to assess bone health.

"Breaking of bones due to non-injury is definitely preventable. By measuring the bone strength with this test, one can improve it before it deteriorates. That's why it is so important to know the risk factors and to be tested regularly," said Balu S. Mani, M.D., M.B.A., chairman of the department of radiology at Southern Regional Medical Center.

Testing will help your doctor determine if you have osteoporosis or are at increased risk for breaking bones. Appropriate diets, vitamins or medicines can then be prescribed.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) recommends bone density testing for all women under the age of 65 who have one or more risk factors for osteoporosis, not including menopause. It is also recommended for all women over 65. The risk factors include:

Family history of osteoporosis or broken bones.

Tobacco, alcohol and caffeine abuse.

Decreased hormones during or after menopause or after surgery to remove ovaries.

Lack of physical activities.

Medications such as steroids or excessive thyroid hormone.

Inadequate calcium and Vitamin D in your diet.

Bone density tests use sound waves or small amounts of radiation to determine the thickness of bones. The tests are safe, painless, non-invasive and most only take a few. Bone density testing is very simple for such an important result. "Osteoporosis is something we can catch and treat early," said Dr. Mani.

Southern Regional's Women's Life Center offers patients the most current bone density testing technology available. These procedures are convenient and safe.

At some facilities, an appointment can take up to a week or more to schedule. At the Women's Life Center, it is possible to have an appointment the next day. Completing registration and conducting the test in the same area also cuts down on the time a patient will wait.

The most important factor, however, according to Elizabeth Hadley, M.D., a radiologist at Southern Regional Medical Center, is that "they make a real difference in your life."

Contact your physician for a referral to women's diagnostic services or contact PROMINA HealthCall at 770-541-1111 for a free physician referral.

Southern Regional is also sponsoring upcoming lunch and learns to educate the public on osteoporosis. On June 20 from noon to 1 p.m., Cindy Lauer, MSEd, ATC-L, Director of SmartBodies Fitness & Wellness Center, and Kim Sherril, RD, PLD, a registered dietician at Southern Regional Medical Center will discuss the prevention of osteoporosis. This presentation will be held at Southern Regional's Health Education Center auditorium and lunch will be provided. For information and registration call PROMINA HealthCall at 770-541-1111.

Southern Regional Health System provides comprehensive health resources including: Southern Regional Medical Center, a 406-bed, full-service hospital in Riverdale featuring a state-of-the-art outpatient surgery center, a women's center, a Diabetes Resource Center and one of the busiest and best emergency departments in the state; RiverWoods, Southern Regional Psychiatric Center, a psychiatric facility with a complete continuum of behavioral care services; Southern Regional Homecare, a home health agency providing home health services and the Surgery Center at Mt. Zion, a multi-specialty surgery center in Morrow.